But improvement in the Premier League is essential for Moyes, starting on Saturday, and the Scot will be sweating over the fitness of striker Wayne Rooney.

The England international missed Wednesday's 2-0 win at Stoke with a groin injury and with fellow striker Robin van Persie (thigh) on the sidelines, Moyes will be counting on the former Everton man.

"He has got a chance [of playing]," a hopeful Moyes said on Wednesday.

Winger Ashley Young scored his first United goal since May 2012 at the Britannia Stadium and was named the man-of-the-match after an impressive display.

"As soon as I hit it, I felt like it was going in. You could see from my celebration how much it meant to get on the scoresheet; it's been a little while," Young told MUTV afterwards.

"The boys were magnificent – we showed great spirit and character and hopefully we take that into this weekend's game."

Young could retain his place as a result of that performance for United, who are hopeful of welcoming back Nemanja Vidic (knock), although an immediate return to the first team is not guaranteed for the centre-back.